YouSaid · the spoken record

HARMEL

lines on the record: 238
first: 1966-09-24
most recent: 1972-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Accordingly, we are submitting this year a draft resolution setting forth the proposal I have just described to the Assembly, The question is on the agenda [item 39], and we should be grateful to all States that have already shown interest in this project if they would support and vote for it. 199.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The purpose should not be to analyse these studies because that might betray their spirit; nor should there be, notwithstanding what some people have thought, any co-ordination and systematization of these studies, the initiative for which must continue to lie entirely with each institution dealing with peace research. The review, which we should like to be of an informative nature, would be a concise one and therefore necessarily inexpensive. The mere fact of having it submitted to the Assembly would, however, enable each of our states and the competent United Nations services to refer to it if they so wished. And if a short debate were to follow the submission of that report it might provide an opportunity for bringing up subjects not yet cover , which might be requested by our Organization or any one of our States. 198.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“And this leads me to recall that every year for the past six years, in support of the proposals made by the Secretary-General in 1966, we have drawn the attention of the Assembly to the need to seek a strategy for peace. A new science has arisen in the meantime, called "polemology". Over a hundred institutions throughout the world are dealing with it and each year present a considerable number of reports which should be studied by the United Nations. 197. Many times we have proposed that the Secretary- General should be requested every two years to submit to the General Assembly a review of the studies produced by these international research centers. We should, of course, choose those that are of particular relevance to our peace-keeping obligations.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We are confident that the Governments of Pakistan and India, which are directly affected by these problems, will display the requisite moderation and understanding and that the necessary action will be initiated without delay, The United Nations, and especially our Secretary-General, must help them in this. That is the specific hope which I express today on behalf of my country. We hope that all the questions thus raised, and especially those concerning the contribution of the United Nations to the improvement of relations among States, will be pursued. 195. All eyes are focused on the tragic martyrdom of so many Pakistanis, and we hope that the peace-seeking institutions too are conscious of the need for imaginative studies on the development of pacification procedures in domestic disputes. 196.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Must this pacification procedure be conceived at the regional level at which the community of peoples of the same part of the world may have a better understanding of the nature of events affecting it more directly, or must we, on the contrary, involve* States which would obviously have no personal interests in that part of the world? 192. These different questions are before us, and the world expects from us specific replies which will make it possible not only to assuage the pain and human misery, but also, and above all, to solve the problems which gave rise to these disasters. 193. The Belgian people and Government are anxiously following the deteriorating situation and hope they can participate in any pacification measures that may be adopted. 194.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Such a result cannot come about without concerted measures: first, those of the Government of Pakistan, as it is that Government which is affected by a domestic dispute; then the co-operation of the Government of India because of the presence on its territory of the many millions of refugees; and, lastly, the assistance of the international community. Without taking sides, without amending the text of the Charter, how can we here encourage the parties involved to seek a peaceful solution? Can we not make committees of inquiry, liaison and good offices available to them? Cannot our Organization invite the parties to accept conciliation or arbitration?”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“By taking this decision, the Government of Pakistan demonstrated its understanding of the fact that, when a domestic political dispute leads to such a sequence of distress and spills over into the territory of other States, it is necessary to involve the international community in the action to be taken to end it. Obviously, our world Organization would forfeit much of its credibility if it remained indifferent to the magnitude of the human tragedy which these displaced populations are experiencing. We must seek and find political and constitutional solutions based as Mr. Schumann said a few days ago [1942nd meeting]-on the consent of the Pakistani people and enabling the populations to return home after their confidence in the future has been restored and they have been assured that human rights will be respected. 191.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“But neither can our Organization remain inactive when the fundamental principles of the Charter concerning human rights are challenged or likely to be so. Several of our colleagues have asked relevant questions during this debate-among them, the Secretary of State for External Affairs of Canada [1944th meeting], when he wondered at what time an internal conflict involves too many countries for it still to be considered an internal conflict. 190. That is why we welcomed with interest the suggestion made by the Government of Pakistan on 11 August 1971 to send to that region a committee consisting of members of the Security Council to establish contact.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We therefore fully endorse the humanitarian action taken by the Secretary-General. We also approve of the steps he has undertaken to draw the attention of the members of the Security Council to all aspects of the situation in East Pakistan. We have noted the conclusion in his communication to the effect that no fundamental solution to this problem can be found unless there is a political reconciliation and unless humanitarian principles are respected. 189. We are fully aware that the diplomatic actions of the community of nations are impeded, in cases of this kind, by obstacles of a legal nature. Full compliance must be ensured with Article 2, paragraph 7, of the Charter signed at San Francisco, which does not authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Sir Alec Douglas-Home said the other day [1944th meeting] -and I am also convinced of this that parties to this dialog must meet. 186. Our membership in the Security Council has compelled us to reflect on another drama-that affecting East Pakistan. 187. It is difficult to summarize in a few words the horrible sequence of afflictions that accompany the exodus of seven million people; the dispersal of their belongings, exile, hunger and death have compounded in this region the ravages inflicted by a natural disaster of exceptional magnitude which struck it last November. 188. Our first duty is to respond to the appeals of our Secretary-General and the Governments of Pakistan and India. My country responded immediately and has just recently announced further contributions.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It would give us ground to hope, in an atmosphere of restored calm, for the early conclusion of the general agreement which we most sincerely desire. One initial specific step forward would be the preface to over-all negotiation; it would demonstrate its possibility and strengthen the will of all those who cannot admit a deadlock when peace is at stake. 184. It is our feeling that, in such a context, the other problems existing in the Middle East that of Jerusalem and that of the refugees would become easier to solve. 185. Whether it be by the mission of Ambassador Jarring, or the initiatives of Secretary of State Rogers, or the conciliatory measures taken by four Heads of State, Mr. Senghor, Mr. Ahidjo, Mr. Mobutu and Mr. Gowon, as ^quested by the Organization of African Unity-all of them should lead to a negotiation among the parties.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“No time up to the present has been more favorable, but everything points to the fact that the time available for concluding an agreement is short. We therefore believe that Ambassador Janing's mission as his proposals of 8 February [A/8541, annex I] bear witness-is more necessary than ever. The public support given to him by "the Big Four" must be a further encouragement to the Secretary-General's Special Representative. 183. The speedy conclusion of the diplomatic procedure initiated through Mr, Rogers's efforts of over a year ago would be useful in this context. The impact of a preliminary agreement under which the Suez Canal would be reopened would demonstrate that yesterday's adversaries can conclude meaningful agreements.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We, for our part, have realized that Israel could not agree to the exclusion of the specific problems pertaining to the establishment of secure and recognized boundaries from the negotiations, but we also realized that the Arab States will be unable to enter into any peace commitments unless Israel forthwith confirms its acceptance of one of the essential elements of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), namely, the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force. After thinking about it at length, we believe that these two positions are not irreconcilable. 182. What we saw and heard this summer, during a visit to the States of the Middle East, convinced us that on the threefold bases just described namely, those underlying resolution 242 (1967)-negotiation was not only a matter of urgency but also possible at this very moment.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The conclusion of such a treaty and the provision of such guarantees would dispose of several problems deriving from the necessary establishment of secure and recognized boundaries, if there were no doubts about its conclusion, because, in this new context, the security of States would not depend either exclusively or principally on a strategic device based solely on a particular carving of boundaries. 181.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The force s terms of reference, based on Security Council resolution 242(1967) and providing inter alia for demilitarized zones and probably zones where United Nations forces would be stationed, would be defined by the Security Council and could be changed, adjusted or terminated only by a new decision of the Council. Under its terms of reference, the task force's operations would be, in some way, autonomous and automatic. 179. At the same time the international community would undertake to carry out a vast Program for facilitating the return to normal economic and social life of the population which have suffered so grievously from the war and its consequences. The European Economic Community will make a substantial contribution to such a Program. 180.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We are also convinced that the mere existence of a treaty, after 25 years of confrontation, would not be enough unless it was accompanied by guarantees offered by the community of nations as an international pledge to uphold the provisions and commitments of the peace treaty concluded between the- parties and to ensure its observance. 178. In our opinion, there would be double guarantees. When the peace treaty is signed, the Security Council would guarantee its provisions and set up a task force, under its jurisdiction, to ensure compliance with the treaty.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“This peace, in our view, must be built on three inseparable pillars: the conclusion of a peace treaty, guarantees offered by the community of nations and the establishment of stable and recognized frontiers. 176. The conclusion of a peace agreement would constitute a fundamental change in the relations that existed prior to 1967 between Israel and its neighbors, because it would include explicit recognition of the State of Israel, of its independence, a mutual refusal to interfere in domestic affairs, the commitment to oppose all acts of violence initiated from each country's territory, the acceptance of freedom of movement in the Straits of Tiran and the Suez Canal: thus an entirely new body of rules on coexistence would be established which we would wish to see gradually developing into regional co-operation. 177.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Finally, I would like to say that the countries of the European community are trying to harmonize their views in order to resolve a conflict affecting peace in the Mediterranean. 174. All these reasons have led us to ascertain as precisely as possible the views of the leaders of the main States concerned. We should like to tell them publicly of our gratitude for the confidence they have shown in us and we wish to express in turn the conviction we have reached that it is not only necessary but also possible to establish a reign of peace in the Middle East, to deal with all the controversial problems. It is necessary and possible to build up a situation radically different from that prevailing before 1967, which was so precarious, as we clearly saw, that the slightest accident could place peace in jeopardy. 175.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We shall at that time remind our colleagues that we believe in resolutions which must give life to the Second United Nations Development Decade and may I say in passing that our contribution to the United Nations Development Program in 1972 will go beyond the average requested increase. 173. Almost four years ago the Security Council took a decision on the crisis of the Middle East. Over a year has elapsed since, happily, on 9 August 1970 a cease-fire was established. We felt it our duty to take part in the efforts for pacification which have constantly intensified since then. We were encouraged to do so by Belgium's traditional bonds of trust with the Arab States of the area and the State of Israel.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Now, the choice of questions that my country wishes briefly to deal with is predicated upon our awareness of the specific duties befalling the non-permanent members of the Security Council during their two-year tenure of office. This is why I shall speak first of the crisis of the Middle East and the problem between Pakistan and India. 172. The choice of these problems, of course, is not exclusive of the interest shown by my country in other important problems that we shall deal with when they come up either in the plenary meetings of the Assembly or in the various committees, such as economic development and African problems.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“169. Mr. President, in welcoming you as President of our Assembly, I merely wish to say one thing. Studying the introductory statement you made on 21 September [1934th meeting], we were happy to find a vision of the world which was both truthful and prophetic. It is the statement of a statesman, a wise and courageous statesman. We are also happy to see in you the initiator of the project of regional co-operation in five countries of south-east Asia. My country, Belgium, thanks you for having accepted to preside over our work. 170. May I also address to your eminent predecessor, Mr. Hambro, the expression of our deep appreciation for the effective manner in which he guided the work of the historic twenty-fifth session of the General Assembly. 171.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Several Western and European ties of solidarity already bind us, and you know how happy we should be if the accession of Norway to the European Communities were to bring us even closer together. We congratulate the President for having brought to the highest office of the United Nations not only the virtues of his people, but also his own personal qualities of erudition, experience and authority. 234. I would not wish to conclude without expressing again our great regard for the Secretary-General of our Organization which, on behalf of my country, I have already had the honor to convey many times before from this rostrum. I wish to end my statement by once again assuring him of our highest esteem.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“To be sound and lasting, these must always be spontaneous and leave each people free to be associated with them; to be excellent, they must draw their inspiration from the principles of the Charter and seek, within that context also, to further their progress. By adding that dimension to our efforts, we have noted, it is possible to increase the opportunities for collective security, disarmament, co-operation for development, respect for human rights, economic and social understanding and international justice. 233. Allow me, Mr. President, to ask you to convey to Mr. Hambro the tribute which my country wishes to extend to him. My delegation is extremely gratified to see the eminent representative of Norway presiding over our deliberations. Norway and Belgium already participate in many enterprises which I earlier called intermediate.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We are merely convinced that the spirit of the Charter can and must manifest itself in many places, and that we must not expect everything from initiatives at the world level; nor of course can we expect everything from regional initiatives; however, if they supplement one another, we may find herein a source of progress or initiatives which are being taken in different places. 232. We have noted that the past 25 years especially in Europe but also in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East have been characterized by the emergence of numerous regional bodies and firm multilateral ties.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“For such cases, and if the question of reactivating the International Court of Justice is looked into further, as requested by the United States, Belgium will submit to it the question whether, in particular cases and on very precisely determined occasions, regional ad hoc chambers could be formed, while at the same time upholding the universal character of the United Nations and the universality of international law. 231. My country has not been developing an abstract thesis today nor has it claimed that regional initiatives are some kind of panacea for the world.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“That Article provides that those actions can be carried out by regional agencies. The Organization of African Unity has established this type of machinery under the Charter, and we believe this to be a good thing. 230. True, the International Court of Justice the supreme tribunal in legal disputes and must, in the final analysis, guarantee the universality of international law. However, here again we cannot forget that States parties to regional legal disputes may, by virtue of the Statutes of the Court itself, Article 26, paragraph 2, ask that chambers be formed for dealing with a particular case.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“As far as the Economic Commission for Europe is concerned, it already plays a leading role in coordinating the efforts made "with a view to improving good-neighborly relations among European States" as we read in resolution 2129 (XX). In this context or elsewhere, we think that in Europe the time has come to embark on a frank and thorough review of relations between the groupings of the market- economy countries and the State-economy countries. 229. The last subject in regard to central action and regional action is that of international justice. Indeed, in that field we also see that in some cases regional initiative or action are possible: that is described in Article 33 of the Charter which advocates the settlement of disputes between States by way of good offices, mediation, conciliation and arbitration.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The same will apply to economic and social co-operation, The United Nations already has instruments of regional co-operation. It is in the regional economic commissions that the ideas of integration were born, which took shape in Latin America and are striving to emerge in Africa. It was on their initiative that development banks were founded; it was they who launched numerous projects in the most varied fields from industry to agriculture, and from natural resources to transportation. 227. Nevertheless, we would like those commissions henceforth to play an even greater role, so as to achieve the goals of the Second Development Decade, especially in the formulation of plans and the evaluation of progress. 228.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We recall that in 1948 we drew up here, for the whole world, a Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 225. But we can go further in the definition and protection of human rights when regional communities of States allow themselves to be motivated by a stable democratic conscience which is expressed therein. Eighteen European countries did so in 1950, by drawing up the European Charter of Human Rights and, in addition, by setting up a European court on human rights to which individuals can have recourse when their rights are challenged. Several States, including Belgium, in the past already felt it an honor to amend their national legislation at the request of the Court to bring it into line with the decisions of that Court. 226.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“True, when we speak about the protection of the human person, it would be impossible to guarantee safety from certain evil practices only through international agreements or regulations, and I have in mind here particularly the present crimes of hijacking and the detention or execution of diplomats. In regard to the former, my country will put forward its suggestions at the diplomatic conference to be held in December at The Hague and, for the international protection of diplomats, consuls and ministers, it advocates the urgent convening of an ad hoc diplomatic conference. 224. But when we envisage a more general approach to the question of respect for human rights, here again we find an example of cases where regional action can supplement that of our General Assembly.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We venture to hope that both the spirit and the letter of the cease-fire agreement of 12 August last, which we welcomed as a happy event, will be respected by the parties concerned. We are anxious to see the early resumption of the talks initiated by Ambassador Jarring. 221. We have just dealt with subjects of collective security, disarmament and co-operation for development, and we noted that the convergence of actions at the world level and of regional initiatives could bring closer the time when the purposes of our Charter will be more effectively fulfilled. 222. Similar thoughts come to mind too in connexion with human rights, economic and social co-operation and international justice. 223.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“On a more immediate and completely bilateral level, in swift response to the moving appeal of our President and of the Secretary-General, the Belgian Government immediately decided, a few days ago, to make a very substantial contribution in aid for the many victims of the recent events in Jordan. 220. More generally, I cannot speak of the conflict in the Middle East without once again reaffirming the Belgian Government's whole-hearted support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring the swift and full implementation of the Security Council's resolution of 22 November 1967[242 (1967)]. Unfortunately, three years have already gone by since the essential conditions for a political settlement of the Middle East question were laid down.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Today we must make provision for the economic and social restoration and rehabilitation of the regions affected by the conflict in the Middle East. In that particular case my country is well aware that no real solution will be forthcoming as long as the Palestinian refugees have no home nor the economic means for their development. 218. Belgium announces that it will participate in any European plan for rehabilitating the devastated areas which will enable those refugees to settle in a stable and happy environment. We have submitted to the European agencies the plan drawn up for this purpose by a Committee headed by the President of the Belgian Senate. Once formulated, a Program of European co-operation would help the parties to the conflict in their search for peace. 219.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“As regards Latin America, we view with sympathy the efforts at progressive integration of the States of that part of the world, and we particularly welcome the spirit which, at the last meeting of the Special Commission for Latin American co-ordination in July, motivated the Buenos Aires Declaration on the problems of relations with the European Economic Communities. 216. In turn Belgium hopes that the European Communities, as they develop and expand, will be able to give Western Europe a new image. It will not be one of hegemony, it cannot be one of neutrality, it will not be one of dependency. What, then, would be the attitude of Europe, in the process of unification, to the world? None other than one of intensive cooperation in the development of the southern hemisphere. 217.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We believe furthermore that here again regional initiatives can, through individual arrangements with certain developing countries, add a dimension and a form of particularly effective mutual co-operation. I am thinking of the European communities which, through the Yaounde Convention and the Arusha Declaration of January 1970 and through aid to associated European countries, make a contribution which, in some fields, supplements and increases the effects of bilateral assistance. 215.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Lastly, and above all, the Belgian Government, mindful of the needs and hopes of the developing countries, decided on 24 September 1970, a few days ago, to place before Parliament a Program under which public aid would in 1975 reach the figure of 0.70 per cent of that year's gross national product. This decision is a milestone in our policy, but its scope will be very limited unless it forms part of a joint effort by the industrialized countries. 213. As we know very well, a common effort should not be focused only on the financing of development. It should encompass trade policy, a commodities price policy and support for the developing country's own efforts in all areas, especially that of regional cooperation and integration. This will in all likelihood require revision and adaptation of the process of world discussion. 214.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The strategy for the Second Development Decade has already been discussed at length and formulated, and in this context the volume and terms of the financial aid for development are particularly noteworthy. 211. That is why Belgium is happy to be able to announce that its total aid will exceed 1 per cent of its gross national product in 1970, as in previous years. Moreover, it wishes to stress that its public aid rose 10 per cent in 1968, and 12 per cent in 1969, which placed it fourth among the industrialized countries. This public aid will further increase in 1971, by 18 per cent. 212.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We hope that such negotiations will be possible as soon as the practical and well-known conditions for the ratification in Bonn of the German-Soviet Treaty have been met, and provided nothing else transpires to darken this horizon. Then the active preparation of initial conferences on European security could be organized. We will contribute, as in the past, to this first approach to regional security. 209. The second area in which central and regional actions can be combined without being merged, but complement each other, is development. 210. We have spoken about the Disarmament Decade. It will also be the Development Decade. The two are not unrelated.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Certainly the problem of disarmament has already been raised at the world level, but since we want the coming decade to be that of disarmament, it would be worth while to pursue this aim at several levels: the negotiations of the 25 at Geneva have borne some fruit; the bilateral so-called SALT negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union do not seem to be ineffective. 208. But what can and should Europe do, Europe which harbors so many tactical and conventional means of destruction? Should it take regional steps to disarm? For a long time now Belgium has strongly believed that it should, and is prepared to participate in such negotiations, in which the United States and Canada would of necessity have to be parties too.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“But for such intermediary agreements to be really credible, the negotiations themselves should at the same time make it possible to establish at least the principles and general outlines of a gradual and parallel reduction in regional armaments in Europe, both those stationed there and national armaments. And that leads us to the second problem: disarmament. 206. What purpose does it really serve to declare solemnly that we renounce the use of force, if we continue to pile up the instruments of force? It follows that the renunciation of force and the reduction of armaments are two indivisible elements. 207.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“It is on the road to European regional security that the time is coming when efforts must be made to endeavor to achieve the first intermediate objectives which would in themselves have far-reaching implications. Let the bilateral agreements on economic and social co-operation between countries with different systems become multilateral; let us seek to have the covenants renouncing the use of force, such as the one recently signed by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, apply to Europe as a whole. 205.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Finally, let us say it, a regional organization for the security of the whole of Europe cannot be achieved so long as there is no political agreement on Berlin, no rules accepted by all on the real equality of States, and so long as the principle of non-interference in the affairs of others is not upheld in practice. Events of only too recent memory show that transitional steps are necessary to temper power politics by establishing collective security. It is therefore necessary, in our opinion, to seek to have such regional security agreements for Europe, not as an immediately obtainable objective, but as an ultimate end to be reached only step by step. 204.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We have therefore asked ourselves whether, some day, security arrangements of the kind provided for in Article 52 of the Charter might bring about and guarantee harmony in the territories of the whole of Europe through the establishment of rules and instruments of agreement, conciliation and arbitration of disputes. Here it must be made quite clear that such arrangements can be no substitute for our existing economic solidarity and I am referring to the European Economic Communities or for the existing defense organizations that is, the Atlantic Alliance but they should supplement them. Similarly, if a security agreement for the whole of Europe were to be concluded some day, nor would it replace the task of the Security Council, but would remain subordinated to it through the links provided for in Article 54 of the Charter. 203.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The more than 30 States which share the territory of Europe cannot forget that in the past 100 years they have unleashed more wars than the other continents, and that two of them have set the world on fire. As if this were not enough, a cold war has been dividing them for the past quarter of a century. Why has this new situation of conflict not led to a third world war? Because, we believe, very soon and very fortunately bonds of solidarity and interdependence began to create balanced situations: certain transnational groupings in Europe which, due to the cohesion they have acquired and that will be developed further, make possible today the efforts gradually to reduce tensions and then to foster understanding. 202.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“But if the purposes of the United Nations are thus pursued from the ground to the top and from top to bottom, if the complementarity of action is ensured and, if, of course, the world bodies still have the last word in the event of conflicting policies, then we can hope for a greater measure of over-all success in pursuing the purposes of the Charter. 199. Those are the reasons which, in the light of experience, prompt us to co-operate eagerly I am speaking of Belgium in the world organizations and in their decentralized activities and also to participate actively in our region, Europe, in promoting links of regional solidarity and interdependence. 200. That will provide a better understanding of some of the attitudes adopted by my country with regard to the present items and, first of all, I turn to the problems of security. 201.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We must therefore imbue these new institutions with the spirit of the Charter and, in each case, examine whether they cannot constitute, in turn, an initial framework which encompasses the purposes of the United Nations and tries to achieve them first in a regional context. Perhaps some obstacles which impede the power of decision of the Security Council might now be offset by this method. 197. The regional organizations, too, will, of course, remain incomplete and partly prevented from fulfilling their objectives. 198.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Let us make use of this need, which has become evident and is relatively recent: which compels most States to have recourse to inter-State organizations in order to solve their economic, social, communications, supply, market, cultural, scientific and defense problems, which today separate nations can as a rule no longer master by themselves. 195. This necessity for interdependence which is relatively recent, I repeat has created the need today for new regional links of solidarity. These are natural; they are becoming more and more closely knit; each is formed differently by a complex of historical and geographical factors, similarities of human environment, identical needs and aspirations, related political regimes and philosophies. We believe that we must make use of this natural movement. 196.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We therefore attach the greatest importance to strengthening the central power of the United Nations and to its universality; but we hold it to be equally true that the purposes of the Charter can be successfully achieved, although in part, by means of regional arrangements or organizations, deriving from the spontaneous action of countries grouped together in a given area one action does not exclude the other, one action adding to the other, the one aiding the other. 193. The idea is hardly revolutionary. It is suggested in many parts of the Charter and it has already been put into effect in part but in our opinion, at this time in history, it deserves further reflection and a new impetus. The reasons for this effort can, we think, be formulated in a few proposals. 194.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“My country regrets that a large number of States have informed us that they do not yet share our view, and we therefore did not wish to express it this year in the form of a draft resolution. But, on the other hand, so far, no one has convinced us that any other attitude would be both more just and more consistent with the Charter. We shall continue our consultations with other Governments in seeking the urgent solution which this important problem demands. 192.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In this particular case, my country has consistently urged, for five years, a solution that would enable the representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China a State which we recognize to occupy the seat which belongs to China in the General Assembly and in the Security Council. This solution cannot jeopardize the right of the representatives of the Government of the Republic of Taiwan to continue to enjoy the protection of our Charter, and therefore to participate in the work of the United Nations. This is, we believe, the only possibility, until a peaceful settlement enables the dispute between these two Chinese Governments to be composed. We also believe that the peaceful settlement of that dispute would thereby be facilitated. 191.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)